Breastfeeding apparel with concealable openings

ABSTRACT

A garment comprising an upper bodice layer; and a lower bodice layer connected to the upper bodice layer by at least one seam and having at least one nursing access point, wherein the upper bodice provides substantially full coverage of the at least one nursing access point when the at least one access point is in a normal position. In at least one embodiment, the at least one nursing access point is an armhole in the lower bodice layer with a flexible edge. In some embodiments, the flexible edge may be lined with silicone material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to women's apparel. Particularly, thepresent disclosure relates to women's apparel capable for use whilebreastfeeding, nursing of babies, or using a lactation pump or breastpump.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The background description provided herein is for the purpose ofgenerally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of thepresently named inventors, to the extent it is described in thisbackground section, as well as aspects of the description that may nototherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neitherexpressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the presentdisclosure.

Although women have been breastfeeding for centuries, for many newmothers in the modern era, breastfeeding can be uncomfortable, awkward,and intimidating. For many mothers, especially working women, nursingmay occur outside of the privacy of one's own home. At the office, arestaurant, a coffee shop, or any other public place, nursing mothersneed to transition their wardrobe to clothes that provide easy access tothe breasts for nursing. Clothes particularly for nursing have attemptedto make this transition less cumbersome and allow for access to thebreasts. For instance, low-cut shirts, wrap shirts, tanks, button-downshirts are often used, but they provide minimal coverage. Some nursingtops also have a flap over each of the breasts or form an openingbetween layers of the shirt that create an opening, but because of theirstructure these tops can often lead to undesired and unintendedexposure. These shirts or dresses with similar openings are often wornwhen nursing. Nursing bras provide suitable coverage with a flap orother closure, but require the mother to undress from at least the waistupwards in order to expose the bra and may be cumbersome. There is aneed in the art for apparel for nursing women that provides easy accessto one or both breasts while minimizing the risk of unintended orundesired exposure of the breasts.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodimentsof the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding ofsuch embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of allcontemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key orcritical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any orall embodiments.

The present disclosure, in one embodiment, describes garments adaptedfor breastfeeding and nursing. A garment comprising: an upper bodicelayer; and a lower bodice layer connected to the upper bodice layer byat least one seam and having at least one nursing access point, whereinthe upper bodice provides substantially full coverage of the at leastone nursing access point when the at least one access point is in anormal position. In one embodiment, the at least one nursing accesspoint is an armhole in the lower bodice layer with a flexible edge. Inone embodiment, the flexible edge of the armhole is stretched undertension to a nursing position. When the tension is released, theflexible edge of the armhole returns to the normal position. In someembodiments, the flexible edge may be lined with silicone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as formingthe various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is believed thatthe invention will be better understood from the following descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of a top in accordance withthe disclosure of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a back view of the top of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a layered front view of the top of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of one embodiment a dress in accordance withthe disclosure of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows the back view of the dress of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a layered front view of the dress of FIGS. 4-5.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of one embodiment of a dress in accordancewith the disclosure of the present invention in a first position.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of one embodiment of a dress in accordancewith the disclosure of the present invention in a second position.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of one embodiment a dress in accordance withthe disclosure of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows the back view of the dress of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a layered front view of the dress of FIGS. 9-10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous garments forbreastfeeding women. Particularly, the present disclosure relates tonovel and advantageous concealable openings or access points in women'stops, shirts, tunics, dresses, and similar garments.

FIGS. 1-3 shows one embodiment of a top 100 of the present invention.Top 100 may be a shirt, tunic, or dress depending upon the length of thegarment. The top 100 comprises an upper bodice layer 102, a lower bodicelayer 104, a first sleeve 106, a second sleeve 108, and a back layer110. Each of the upper bodice layer 102, the lower bodice layer 104, thefirst sleeve 106, the second sleeve 108, and the back layer 110 may eachcomprise cotton, polyester, cotton polyester blend, other suitablefabrics and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, such as the oneshown in FIGS. 1-3, the upper bodice layer 102 may comprise a neckline112, a hemline 114, sleeve seams 116 connecting the upper bodice layer102 to each of the sleeves 106, and shoulder seams 118 to connect theupper bodice layer 102 to the back layer 110. The neckline 112 may beround, square, boatneck, sweetheart, v-neck, or have otherconfigurations. The hemline 114 may be straight, ruffled, or have otherconfigurations. In at least the embodiment shown, the hemline 114 isruffled. The upper bodice layer 102 substantially covers the bust.

In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS. 1-3, the lowerbodice layer 104 may be positioned underneath the upper bodice layer102. In at least one embodiment, the lower bodice layer 104 comprisesthe at least one access point shown generally at 120. The upper bodicelayer 102 substantially covers the lower bodice layer 104, in particularthe at least one access point shown generally at 120. In at least oneembodiment, the upper bodice layer 102 fully covers the at least oneaccess point when the at least one access point 120 is in a normalposition. The upper bodice layer 102 may cover the at least one accesspoint 120 when the at least one access point 120 is in a nursingposition.

In at least one embodiment, the lower bodice layer 104 may be thebreastfeeding layer. In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS.1-3, the lower bodice layer 104 may comprise a neckline 122, a hemline124, arm openings 126, and shoulder seams 128 to connect the lowerbodice layer 104 to at least one of the upper bodice layer 102 and theback layer 110. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-3, the neckline 122 of the lower bodice layer 104 may be thesame as the neckline 112 of the upper bodice layer 102. In suchembodiments, the neckline 122 may further comprise a neckline seam 123.The neckline 122 may be round, square, boatneck, sweetheart, v-neck, orhave other configurations. In some embodiments, the hemline 124 of thelower bodice layer 104 may be the same as the hemline 114 of the upperbodice layer 102. The hemline 124 may be straight, ruffled, or haveother configurations. In at least the embodiment shown, the hemline 124is ruffled. In at least the embodiment shown, a distance between thehemline 124 to the neckline 122 of the lower bodice layer 104 may belonger than a distance between the hemline 114 to the neckline 112 ofthe upper bodice layer 102. The circumference of the arm openings 126may in some embodiments be larger than the arm openings of the sleeves106,108 or the sleeve seams 116. The arm openings 126 each have an edge127, which may be a flexible edge. In at least one embodiment, theflexible edge comprises a silicone material or other similar elastic orelastomeric material. The edge 127 may be expanded from a standardarmhole position to a nursing position. The circumference of the armopening 126 in the nursing position is larger than the circumference ofthe arm opening 126 in the normal position. In the nursing position, thearm opening 126 is large enough to provide access to the breast(including the nipple region of the breast) for the woman to eithernurse her baby or use a nursing pump, while still having her arm passthrough the arm opening. In at least one embodiment, in the nursingposition, at least a portion of the edge 127 surrounds a portion of theentire breast. In at least one embodiment, the edge 127 stays in anexpanded position in the nursing position under tension and when tensionis released, the edge returns to its unexpanded, standard armholeposition. This hidden layer with the flexible edge along the armholeallows the woman to nurse with coverage from the upper bodice layerwithout having her breasts susceptible to undesired exposure when notnursing.

In some embodiments, the first sleeve 106 and the second sleeve 108 areeach connected to at least the upper bodice layer 102 at sleeve seams116. The first sleeve 106 and the second sleeve 108 are also connectedto the back layer 110 at sleeve seams 116. The second arm 108 isconnected to the first bodice layer 102 and the second bodice layer 104.In at least one embodiment, the first sleeve 106 and the second sleeve108 may not be directly connected or in a seamed connection to the lowerbodice layer 104. Each of the first sleeve 106 and the second sleeve 108form armholes, which are different from the arm openings 126 of thelower bodice layer.

The back layer 110, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, may comprise a neckline 132,a hemline 134, sleeve seams 136, and shoulder seams 138. In someembodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the neckline 132may be the same as at least one of the neckline 122 of the lower bodicelayer 104 and the neckline 112 of the upper bodice layer 102. Theneckline 132 may be round, square, boatneck, sweetheart, v-neck, or haveother configurations. In some embodiments, the hemline 134 of the backlayer may be the same as the hemline 124 of the lower bodice layer 104.The hemline 134 may be straight, ruffled, or have other configurations.In at least the embodiment shown, the hemline 134 is ruffled. In someembodiments, the lower bodice layer 104 is further attached to the backlayer 110 at or near the armholes or the shoulder seam 138 or both.

FIGS. 4-6 show an embodiment of a garment 200 of the present invention.The garment 200 may be a dress, top, shirt, or tunic. The garment 200comprises at least an upper bodice layer 202, a lower bodice layer 204,a skirt 206, a waist panel 208, and a back layer 210. The dress 200 may,in some embodiments, further comprise sleeves (not shown). Althoughshown as a dress in FIGS. 4-6, it is contemplated that the dress may nothave the skirt 206 and would instead be a top with some or all of thefeatures described herein, including the upper bodice layer, the lowerbodice layer, the waist panel, the back layer and the access points.Each of the upper bodice layer 202, the lower bodice layer 204, theskirt 206, the waist panel 208, and the back layer 210 may each comprisecotton, polyester, cotton polyester blend, other suitable fabrics andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, such as the one shown inFIGS. 4-6, the upper bodice layer 202 may comprise at least a neckline212, a hemline 214, arm openings, 215, side seams 216, and shoulderseams 218. The neckline 212 may be round, square, boatneck, sweetheart,v-neck, or have other configurations. The neckline 212 may be attachedto the lower bodice layer 204 in some embodiments. The shoulder seams218 and side seams 216 connect the upper bodice layer 202 to the backlayer 210. In some embodiments, the upper bodice layer 202 and the backlayer 210 may be formed as a single layer of material, and the shoulderseams 218 and the side seams 216 are not necessary in such embodimentsto connect the upper bodice layer to the back layer. The hemline 214 insome embodiments is flexible. In some embodiments, the hemline 214comprises a silicone material or other similar elastic or elastomericmaterial. In some embodiments, the silicone material can be encased intubular fabric. The hemline 214 may be tucked into the waist panel 208when the garment is in a normal tucked position. The normal tuckedposition can also be considered a standard position as discussed above.The waist panel 208 overlaps the upper bodice layer 202 and the lowerbodice layer 204. In some embodiments, the waist panel 208 may bepositioned in an empire waist position or a drop waist position or someother position on the bodice. In some embodiments the waist panel mayhave one or more flexible edges that may comprise a silicone, elastomeror other elastomeric material.

The lower bodice layer 204 may be positioned underneath the upper bodicelayer 202. The lower bodice layer 204 has at least one access point 220,and in a preferred embodiment, two access points. Access points 220 areopenings in the lower bodice layer 204 that expose the breast or thenursing bra of the woman. In some embodiments, the upper bodice layer202 substantially covers the lower bodice layer 204, in particular theat least one access point 220. In at least one embodiment, the upperbodice layer 202 fully covers the at least one access point 220 when theat least one access point is in a normal tucked position. The upperbodice layer 202 may cover the at least one access point when the atleast one access point is in a nursing position 220. When the womanwishes to nurse, she can remove the upper bodice layer 202 from thewaist panel 208 and stretch the hemline 214 from a normal tuckedposition to a nursing position to expose the access points 220. In thenursing position, the hemline 214 may be under tension. Otherwise, whenthe upper bodice layer 202 is in a normal tucked position and tuckedinto the waist panel 208, the breasts are not exposed. Having the upperbodice layer adjustable from a secured tucked position to a nursingposition allows the woman to nurse without having her breastssusceptible to undesired exposure when not nursing.

In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS. 1-3, the lowerbodice layer 204 may comprise a neckline 222, side seams 226 andshoulder seams 228. Side seams 226 and shoulder seams 228 may, in someembodiments, connect the lower bodice layer 204 to at least one of theupper bodice layer 202 and the back layer 210. In some embodiments, suchas the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the neckline 222 of the lowerbodice layer 104 may be the same as the neckline 212 of the upper bodicelayer 102. In such embodiments, the neckline 122 may further comprise aneckline seam 123. The neckline 222 may be round, square, boatneck,sweetheart, v-neck, or have other configurations. In some embodiments,the lower bodice layer 204 may be joined to the skirt 206, which has ahemline 224 of the lower bodice layer 104. The hemline 224 may bestraight, ruffled, or have other configurations. In at least theembodiment shown, the hemline 224 is ruffled. In at least the embodimentshown, the distance from the hemline 224 to the neckline 222 of thelower bodice layer 204 may be longer than the distance from the hemline214 to the neckline 212 of the upper bodice layer 202.

FIGS. 7-8 show an embodiment of garment 300 of the present invention,which is shown as a dress. In at least one embodiment, the dress 300 hasa bodice portion 302 extending from the waist 304 to the shoulder seam306, covering the bust region 308. The dress 300 also has a skirt 308extending from the waist 304 to the hemline 310. In at least oneembodiment, the bodice has princess seams 312, which extend at leastfrom the waist 304 to the bust region 308, but in some embodiments mayextend from the hemline 310 to the bust region 308 as shown in FIGS.7-8. The princess seams 312 each have a zipper 314, which extends fromthe waist 304 to the top of the princess seam 312. The zipper 314provides a nursing access point 320 as shown in FIG. 8. The zipper 314comprises at least a zipper pull 316. When the zipper 314 is in a closedposition as shown in FIG. 7, the zipper pull 316 is positioned at thewaist. Because of the lines of the dress including the princess seams,the zipper pull appears to be for a pocket, and the nursing access pointis hidden. When the zipper 314 is in an open, nursing position as shownin FIG. 8, the zipper pull is at the top of the princess seam 312revealing one nursing access point 320. Nursing access points 320 aredefined by openings 322, which may be lined with some flexible materialto expand the opening. In some embodiments, the zipper may have someflexible tape or other flexible components in order to allow the openingto expand. As shown, the dress 300 has two zippers 314 and one or bothmay be used at a time to reveal one or two nursing access points 320.Having the zippered access to the nursing access points allows the womanto nurse without having her breasts susceptible to undesired exposurewhen not nursing, while also concealing the openings. Further, thezippers provide the visual appearance of pockets, based on theirplacement.

FIGS. 9-11 shown an embodiment of garment 400 of the present invention.The garment 400 may be a dress, top, shirt, or tunic, but as showncomprises a dress. The garment 400 comprises at least an outer layer402, a breastfeeding layer 404, and a back layer 406. The garment 400may, in some embodiments, further comprise sleeves (not shown). Each ofthe outer layer 402, the breastfeeding layer 404, and the back layer 406may each comprise cotton, polyester, cotton polyester blend, othersuitable fabrics and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, such asthe one shown in FIGS. 4-6, the outer layer 402 may comprise at least aneckline 412, a hemline 414, arm openings 415, side seams 416, andshoulder seams 418. The neckline 412 may be round, square, boatneck,sweetheart, v-neck, or have other configurations. In at least theembodiment as shown the neckline 412 forms a cowl neck. In at least oneembodiment, the neckline 412 is a stretchable neckline. The shoulderseams 418 and side seams 416 connect the outer layer 202 to the backlayer 406. In at least one embodiment, the arm openings 415 may have anedge, which may be a flexible edge. In at least one embodiment, theflexible edge comprises a silicone material or other similar elastic orelastomeric material.

As shown best in FIG. 11, the breastfeeding layer 404 may be positionedunderneath the outer layer 402. The breastfeeding layer 404 when placedin a first position relative to the outer layer 402, the woman's breastor breasts may be exposed in a nursing position. In at least oneembodiment, the breastfeeding layer may comprise a stretchable material.In at least one embodiment the breastfeeding layer may have at least oneedge, which may be a flexible edge. In at least one embodiment, theflexible edge comprises a silicone material or other similar elastic orelastomeric material.

The garments discussed herein are generally described with respect totops, shirts, tunics, and dresses. However, it is contemplated by theinvention that any of the multi-layered embodiments described herein canbe modified for use in jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters, undergarments,loungewear, and other apparel.

As used herein, the terms “substantially” or “generally” refer to thecomplete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action,characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. Forexample, an object that is “substantially” or “generally” enclosed wouldmean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completelyenclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolutecompleteness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However,generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to havegenerally the same overall result as if absolute and total completionwere obtained. The use of “substantially” or “generally” is equallyapplicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the completeor near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state,structure, item, or result. For example, an element, combination,embodiment, or composition that is “substantially free of” or “generallyfree of” an ingredient or element may still actually contain such itemas long as there is generally no measurable effect thereof.

In the foregoing description various embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications orvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. The variousembodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustrationof the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, andto enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the variousembodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particularuse contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within thescope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claimswhen interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly,legally, and equitably entitled.

We claim:
 1. A garment comprising: an upper bodice layer; and a lowerbodice layer connected to the upper bodice layer and having at least onenursing access point, wherein the upper bodice provides substantiallyfull coverage of the at least one nursing access point when the at leastone access point is in a normal position.
 2. The garment of claim 1,wherein the at least one nursing access point is an armhole in the lowerbodice layer with a flexible edge.
 3. The garment of claim 2, whereinthe flexible edge of the armhole is stretched under tension to a nursingposition.
 4. The garment of claim 3, wherein the tension is released andthe flexible edge of the armhole returns to the normal position.
 5. Thegarment of claim 2, wherein the flexible edge is lined with silicone. 6.The garment of claim 1, wherein the lower bodice layer is positionedunderneath the upper bodice layer.
 7. The garment of claim 1, furthercomprising a waist panel that overlaps the upper bodice layer and thelower bodice layer.
 8. The garment of claim 7, wherein the upper bodicelayer has a hemline with a flexible edge.
 9. The garment of claim 8,wherein the hemline comprises silicone.
 10. The garment of claim 8,wherein the hemline is tucked into the waist panel when the at least oneaccess point is in a normal position.
 11. The garment of claim 8,wherein the flexible edge of the hemline is stretched under tension to anursing position.
 12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the tension isreleased and the hemline is tucked into the waist panel.
 13. The garmentof claim 1, further comprising a back layer.
 14. The garment of claim13, further comprising at least one side seam connecting the lowerbodice layer to at least one of the upper bodice layer or back layer.15. The garment of claim 1, further comprising at least one sleeve. 16.A garment comprising: a bodice portion covering a bust region andextending from a waist to a shoulder seam; a skirt extending from thewaist to a hemline; and at least one access point on the bodice portion,the at least one nursing access point extending from the waist to thebust region, the at least one nursing access point comprising a zipperhaving an open position and a closed position, wherein when the zipperis in the open position, the at least one nursing access point is in anursing position.
 17. The garment of claim 16, wherein the zippercomprises a zipper pull.
 18. The garment of claim 17, wherein when thezipper is in a closed position, the zipper pull is positioned at thewaist.
 19. The garment of claim 17, wherein the at least one accesspoint is defined by a princess seam, and when the zipper is in an openposition, the zipper pull is at the top of the princess seam.
 20. Thegarment of claim 16, comprising two access points on the bodice portion.